PANJAKENT, Tajikistan -- Heavy snow in northern Tajikistan has blocked the connection between the capital, Dushanbe, and the northern city of Khujand.

The chief of the Emergency Situations Ministry in the city's Ayni district, Zafar Mirzoboshiev, told RFE/RL's Tajik Service that the road has been closed since February 2, adding that the snowfall continues.

He said thick fog and strong winds have made attempts to clean the road impossible.

Hundreds of vehicles and their passengers are reportedly stranded on both sides of the road.